A Typical Wedding With Us
A wedding day flows effortlessly at The Orangery Suite, from an outdoor ceremony with the option of being indoors should the weather be inclement, onto post ceremony drinks and canapés on the terrace styled with florals and entertainment of your choice. Your Wedding Breakfast reception in the light and airy marquee then into the evening inside for dancing and sundown drinks accompanied by a live band or DJ.
The Orangery Suite & Gardens is Dorset's biggest secret.
Celebrate amid lush greenery and beautiful blooms. Take advantage of the natural beauty of the grounds for your perfect English country garden wedding, a dreamy, romantic location to wow your guests and create beautiful memories for a lifetime.
Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or a larger event, our outdoor garden wedding venue is the perfect way to tie the knot.
A Guide to Your Day
Scroll down or click the links in blue for a typical running of a wedding day at the Orangery Suite
Exchange vows in our beautiful English Garden set on the stunning landscaped grounds. Choose to hold your ceremony in front of the charming pagoda set on our manicured lawn with seating up to 85 guests or our Italian-inspired enchanted sunken garden, new for 2023, seating up to 45. Alternatively, say 'I do' in the 18th-century Orangery room. Whichever spot you choose the Orangery Suite team will coordinate your ceremony and guide you through the process together with your registrars.
the chat, seating guests, processional, exchange of vows, the kiss, recessional.
A drinks reception on the terrace is the perfect way to start your happily ever after. Your guests can sip on a cold beer or crisp wine, enjoy the stunning gardens, mingle with old friends and enjoy the garden games. A drinks reception at your wedding is typically one or two hours. During this time the couple have their photos taken and guests can enjoy some canapés & entertainment if organised.
Your Wedding Breakfast reception is generally held in the large and airy marquee. We provide a PA system for the all-important speeches and speakers are available to stream your curated wedding playlist. When it comes to deciding on your wedding food there's a huge range of options, from grazing tables, formal 3/5 course sit-down meals, modern afternoon tea, to hog roasts. Check out our catering page for more information.
Your evening function with us is held the Orangery Suite room.
We welcome DJs and live music - if you are on a tighter budget a personal playlist can work just as well. Don't forget your first dance, this is a special part of your wedding day and most people love to watch the couple share this iconic moment.
Your first dance can take place on a dance floor, in the sunken garden, on the terrace or under the willow tree. Any spot you choose at our venue will inject magic for an unforgettable experience.
The Orangery Suite welcomes up to 120 guests for your evening celebrations meaning more friends and family can be part of your day. 11.00 pm Venue close
Arrival
Here we will refer to the Bride & Groom. In the case of same sex marriages and alternative weddings you can decide if tradition is suited, or something a little more unconventional is for you. The venue is your oyster!
Venue open
8:00
The venue can open from 8:00 am on your wedding day. This allows the bridal party or the chosen half of the couple to use of the Bridal room if required.
Caterers or any outside entertainment/suppliers may utilise this early access.
Groom, Best Man / Men and Ushers
Groom, Best Man / Men and Ushers – are recommended to arrive 45 minutes before the ceremony.
Advised arrival times
Guests
Advised arrival times
Guests – 30 minutes before the ceremony.
Bride Arrival
Staggered arrival times are best for our couples to avoid being spotted before the big reveal. If you are preparing for your day outside of the venue we advise you to arrive around the time guests are being seated to avoid anyone spotting you!
Staff & Bar
- The bar will be open for your guest's arrival.
On the registrar's request, we can only serve hot and cold non-alcoholic refreshments until after your ceremony.
- Staff will be available 1 hour before your guest's arrival.
Ceremony set up
For your ceremony, we offer different seating arrangements depending on the location.
It is your completely your choice where to have your ceremony.
If you have chosen an outdoor ceremony but rain has been forecast over your ceremony time, we will confirm with you the day before if we have to opt for an indoor set-up.
Please note that registrars have the right to refuse in case of bad weather.
Outdoor Lawn Ceremony
For outdoor lawn ceremonies, we typically set up chairs in rows of 8, with 4 on either side of the aisle, which can accommodate 85 seated guests
Sunken Garden Ceremony
For Sunken Garden ceremonies, chairs are arranged on either side of the aisle, which can accommodate up to 45 seated guests.
Orangery Room Ceremony
Orangery Suite room ceremonies, chairs are arranged in rows of 7, with 4 on one side and 3 on the other, which can accommodate 80 seated guests with room for standing at the back.
Marquee Ceremony
The marquee hosts your winter wedding ceremony, adjacent to your reception dining set-up. Chairs are set up in 2 rows of 3 chairs seating 48 guests.
Ceremony Coordination (30 minutes average)
What is the Order of a Wedding Ceremony at the Orangery Suite?
It is completely normal to be a little nervous before the big ‘I Do’s’.
The Orangery Suite Team will walk you through the ceremony. You will be well looked after every step of the way.
Below is the traditional order of events but there are absolutely no rules so we will change things up to suit you!
The Chat
Bride, Groom & Registrars
- The Registrar will whisk the groom or nominated half of the couple into the Orangery Room for a quick briefing to run through the proceedings.
- When the bridal party, or nominated half of the couple in same-sex marriages, arrives we will inform the registrar and they will meet you in the bridal room for a quick chat and to run through the proceedings.
Seating of the Guests
Get ready....!
- You'll need your groomsmen, ushers or nominated guests to make the rounds to ensure everyone is seated in good time. (10 to 15 minutes before the ceremony starts.)
- We advise this is prearranged with your chosen party, so they are prepped and ready.
Processional
Bride Entrance
- In traditional weddings the Groom and Groomsmen will be waiting at the altar for the bridal party to walk down. If you’re having flower girls and page boys, they’ll usually go first followed by bridesmaids. Height order always works well.
- The processional is where the bride and bridal party make their way to the ceremony and the grand entrance down the aisle. The Orangery Team will collect you from the bridal suite and lead you, at a pace you are comfortable with, to your ceremony spot.
- Lead by your officiant, your guests will stand for your entrance and take their seats when you’re all at the front of the aisle.
- Bride enters last and is generally walked down the aisle by the nominated person giving them away.
- At same-sex weddings, you may both choose to walk down the aisle, stagger your arrival to the aisle or go the more traditional route with one half of the couple waiting at the altar.
- Remember, the processional is completely up to you, and we will ensure all runs smoothly on your instruction.
The Marriage Ceremony & exchange of rings
The official bit!
- Here your officiant will say a few words regarding of the vows you are about to take. This is also the part where the officiant asks if there is any reason in law why the couples should not marry..... We hold our breath!
- ...... And release! The couple will then exchange vows. To make your marriage legal, there are certain declarations you must say, however, the rest of your vows are up to you.
- It is special to write your own vows, feel free to make them as personal and significant as you like. You may need to run these past the registrar before the wedding as there can be rules about what you’re allowed to say.
- Exchange wedding of the rings: This is not a legal requirement but most couples do opt for this. Usually by the best man or best woman hands over the rings to your officiant, and then the couple will place a ring on the finger of the other.
You are Hitched!
Happily, Ever After
- You may now kiss! This is your cue to celebrate with a lovely big smooch in front of all your loved ones. Expect a lot of cheering, clapping and a few happy tears. Make it a good one, it’s one of the most important pictures your photographer will capture!
- This is a lovely point to for a guest reading if prepared.
- Signing of the Register: The final step is to sign the marriage license. We will play some background music at this point as your guests have a chat about how beautiful the ceremony was.
- The license needs to be signed by two witnesses (you should choose these in advance. It can be anyone but is often the maid of honour and best man or parents,) and the officiant.
Recessional
Off into married bliss.
Exit of the married couple! You’ll walk back up the aisle to your choice of music, showered with whoops and cheers. Your wedding party exits after you, shortly followed by your guests.
Can I Change Things Up?
Altering The Format
Your Day Your Way
If you prefer to break away from the conventional structure of a wedding ceremony, there's no obligation to stick to the tradition. Either couple has the option to walk down the aisle together, independently, alongside their mother or father, both parents or even accompanied by the children.
You could skip the processional altogether and everyone could arrive together. Great for couples who are a little shy.
The possibilities are wide open, so feel free to embrace the uniqueness of your special day.
Ceremony Music
The entrance of the bride is one of the highlights of your wedding ceremony and is truly a personal touch for the couple. Tracks are chosen by you and submitted on your final preference form.
Ceremony Seating
Guest seating playlist
While your guests are being seated for the ceremony, we will stream our modern instrumental playlist with classical covers of contemporary popular music.
Bridal Entrance
1 Track of your choice
Near your booking date, you will send us the track and artist name for the bridal entrance music. We will have this pre-downloaded and ready to stream for the bridal party entrance. “Please stand for the entrance of the bride”. Everyone glances excitedly over their shoulders. The music begins.......
Exit of the Newley Weds
1 Track of your choice
You’ve said, ‘I do’ and sealed the deal with a kiss, now it’s time to party! Kick off your celebrations the right way with the perfect exit song. Just send us the track and song name and we will take care of the rest!
Music in The Day
Streamed from your device.
Music will be played throughout The Orangery room and terrace area throughout the day. A separate system is available for you to connect in the Marquee.
You can choose to play our wedding party playlist in the Orangery and Terrace, or you can connect a second device if you prefer.
Drinks reception (1.5 to 2 hours average)
Guests will generally head to the terrace out side the Orangery Suite room to enjoy a celbratory drink
Bar Open
Serving alcohol post-ceremony
The venue bar is now open to serve all drinks including a selection of Beer, Wine, Prosecco, Cider, Spirits and Soft Drinks.
Drinks on the Terrace
Are you looking to add a little extra to your day? We offer a pre-purchased 'post ceremony' drinks package for you and your guests to enjoy. Prices are cheaper than at the bar and are often more cost-effective than a tab behind the bar. Drinks are displayed in our summer house and lawn. The perfect spots to enjoy a refreshing Pimms or Aperol Spritz while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Click here learn more about packages and pricing.
If you are holding your ceremony at the church or a separate location we can offer you a drinks package for you and your guests on arrival at the venue.
Canapés
Bite-sized nibbles
Canapés are never necessary, but are a nice added touch if you have an earlier ceremony, (at your church or at our venue,) and can prevent guests getting hangry! Your chosen catering company will be happy to accommodate any enquiries. Canapés are understandably an added expense you may not have accounted for. A crisp wall or snack basket is a great alternative. They are usually served between your Ceremony and reception meal. (Wedding breakfast)
Photos
Your chosen photographer is the best guide to photos for your day. Below are a few tips however it is important to take your photographers lead on this!
When?
When are photos taken
I recommend at least 1.5 - 2 hours between your ceremony end and reception meal. Longer if you plan on a lot of mingling with guests.
Photos before the ceremony and into the evening are optional dependant on your chosen package
Key shots
Who where when?
Below is a few key times. These are dependant on the time frame you have hired your photographer and what moments are important for you both to capture.
MORNING
- GETTING READY
- THE DRESS / OUTFIT
- BRIDAL PARTY SHOTS (before or after ceremony)
CEREMONY
- ARRIVING AT YOUR CEREMONY (Bride entrance)
- THE KISS (our favourite)
- EXITING THE CEREMONY
AFTER THE CEREMONY
- GROUP SHOTS
- FAMILY WEDDING PHOTOS
- GROOM & GROOMSMEN PHOTOS
- COUPLE SHOTS
- THE BOUQUET (no need to toss if this isn't you thing. Some arty shots of your florals are a lovely reminder)
RECEPTION
- SPEECHES
EVENING
- CAKE CUTTING
- GOLDEN HOUR SHOTS
- FIRST DANCE
- MOONLIT SHOTS
- GUEST BOOGYING (busting the moves)
Garden Games & Entertainment
The interim between a ceremony and a reception meal can often be lacklustre. You'll be pleased to know there is no chance of that at The Orangery Suite with a laughter-filled wedding packed with garden games, sports & fun!
Garden Fun
Games for everyone
We have lots of space on our lawns for equipment like bouncy castles for your guests to let off steam. Adults have even more fun than kids at the Orangery Suite. Check out some of the Garden games and facilities we offer >
Entertainment
Who where when?
You may have chosen our venue for the lovely surroundings and outdoor ceremonies. If garden games are just not your thing you may wish to consider a vocalist of acoustic performer during your drinks reception. Hireling equipment like bouncy castles will really liven things up and get everyone mixing, talking and bouncing together. Our suppliers page has some great recommendations for you >
Some couples choose the time between their ceremony and reception for speeches. This offers a more informal and relaxed vibe. We can bring the portable speaker and microphone to the terrace.
Wedding Breakfast (2 hours average)
Reception Meal: Check with your caterers beforehand but in general a traditional 3 course sit down meal will take roughly 2 hours. Less traditional plans such as barbeques, or afternoon teas may take less time.
Seating your guests
Guests seated for lunch.
Have your guests seated in good time for your Wedding Breakfast. Your photographer may squeeze in some last minute couple shots whilst everyone is finding their place. Guests should be seated around 30 minutes before service time. The marquee will be set out to your preference with round tables ready laid with linen and white lime wash Chivari chairs seating up to 85 guests. The marquee lends itself to a formal setting if that's what you envision, or we can expose the marquee sides for a casual outdoor dining experience. There is always the option to dine picnic-style on our lawns. Your dream day can be made a reality with us.
Catering Service
YUMMY
Catering service time is decided by you.
You can be led by your caterer on timings for this.
Seating plans are a good idea if you have a formal meal planned or relaxed dining (choose any seat) is suited for picnic, barbercue and buffet meals.`
Speeches
The bit we have been waiting for!
- There is a Bluetooth-compatible portable speaker in the marquee for your use. You may connect your device to this for some background music. The speaker also has a PA microphone that can be used for speeches.
- As your wedding breakfast is wrapping up, The Father of the Bride, The Groom and the Best Man (or whoever you decide) can make their speeches. A toast to you as the newly married couple wraps up speeches perfectly!
- Alternatively, you may decide you wish to do the speeches before you eat.
- It is completely normal to forgo speeches completely depending on how you fee
Cocktail Bar
Introducing our pop-up cocktail bar, available every evening from 6 pm - 10 pm. Come and enjoy our expertly crafted cocktails in the vibrant and welcoming Orangery Room.
From 6pm - 10pm
£50 opening charge
Introducing our pop-up cocktail bar, available in the evening from 6 pm. Come and enjoy our expertly crafted cocktails in the vibrant and welcoming Orangery Room.
Evening Catering (recomended between 6-9pm)
Evening catering at a wedding is a nice touch, but it's not always necessary. There are many other ways to keep your guests filled up. Snack walls or simple party bowls can work wonders!
Evening snacks
Go wild or keep it light
For an evening reception, there are a variety of catering options to choose from. Some popular choices include buffet-style dining or food stations serving pizza or burgers. We have no restrictions on your evening catering and leave the choice down to you. If caterers (outside our recommended) need the use of the kitchen, there is a £175 supplementary charge to the venue.
Evening Function (generally 6pm - 7pm start)
Party Party Party!
Evening guests arrive
120 guests in total
You may wish to invite further guests to your evening for a party. You can have up to 120 guests in total for your evening party.
Cake Cutting
Let them eat cake!
The cake cutting is one of the most anticipated moments at a wedding. It's a symbol of the couple's commitment to each other and the start of their new life together. This can be directly after the reception if preferred. Make sure to capture this special moment with beautiful photos and videos that will be cherished for years to come. Your caterer may offer a cake cutting service so be sure to enquire.
First Dance
Romance at its finest
The first dance at your wedding is a special moment that you will remember forever. It's a chance to share an intimate moment with your partner and celebrate your love in front of your friends and family. Whether you choose a classic slow dance or a fun choreographed routine, make sure it's a reflection of your unique love story. Make sure your DJ is prepared or have the track ready on your device for us to stream.
Last orders at the bar
10:30 pm
Last orders at the bar is 10:30 pm. We will ring the bell at 10:30 for you to grab that one last drink.
Carriages
11:00 pm
Venue close is at 11:00 pm sharp. This is our licensing agreement and guests must vacate the premises. Ensure taxis or transport are preordered in plenty of time for 11 pm pick up.
This is the start of your new life together and we have enjoyed every moment!
Say 'I Do' at The Orangery Suite for your stunning English Garden Wedding!
